St. Pete - Clearwater International Airport Expansion Progresses

As part of St. Pete-Clearwater International’s (PIE) $200 million infrastructure improvements, a 12,000 square foot expansion for Gates 7-10 waiting area is nearing completion. The cost of the project is $9.8 million. This expansion will add 350 seats bringing the total to 750. In addition, a security lane has been added at Checkpoint A and TSA PreCheck has been implemented to expedite passenger screenings.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has seen annual increases in passengers and continues to break year-on-year records. PIE reported record-breaking numbers in 2016 exceeding its goal of 1.8 million. A monthly passenger record in March 2017 of 206,806 was set — the first time PIE handled more than 200,000 passengers in a single month. In April PIE enjoyed a 24% increase over April 2016 with over 181,000 passengers.

PIE is beginning its Airport Master Plan in 2017 to determine its anticipated needs in the long-term. Under the current expansion plan the following improvements are scheduled:

Security will be relocated and expanded;

Four airport taxiways will be improved in 2017 at a cost of $8.3 million;

Starting in October, construction will begin on a 10,500 square foot maintenance facility;

Late in 2019, a new checked baggage system with an expected cost of $14 million will increase baggage handling capacity;

Allegiant Air will relocate its ticketing area to provide more space for passengers;

Land-side improvements will include a new circulation road system, better access to parking areas, expansion of the rental car area, and long-term parking will be expanded by 50%; and

Parking area improvements will set the stage for a future parking garage.

PIE is proud of its expansion and infrastructure improvements, and the completion of its multi-year program will serve its passengers well into the future.